Hull down Boro to improve survival hopes

Hull won for the first time since New Year’s Day as Mallik Wilks’ stoppage-time strike secured a crucial 2-1 success against Championship relegation rivals Middlesbrough.

The Tigers’ 13-match winless run had put them in serious danger of dropping into League One.

When Britt Assombalonga’s early penalty put Middlesbrough ahead at the KCOM Stadium, Hull were sliding further into trouble.

But Herbie Kane’s free-kick in the eighth minute put Hull back on level terms against Neil Warnock’s side.

Wilks, who made his loan move from Barnsley permanent earlier in the day, clinched the points for Hull in the final moments.

They leapfrogged fourth-bottom Middlesbrough and climbed two points clear of the relegation zone.

“I think both teams were on edge a little bit. The ball was in the air a lot. I think the ball had a bit of a migraine at the end, if I’m honest,” Hull manager Grant McCann said.

“It’s an important win for us, it really is, and it’s a good response from the boys obviously from the Charlton game to go two games unbeaten, so we’re pleased.”